The first day of school is always exciting, and returning after a shutdown because of coronavirus was even more so.
Most of these kids had not seen each other since March, and here it was November.
It has always been the tradition that I walk our kids to school on the first day. I did that this year also. I rose early, dressed and sat at my desk waiting for my kids to arrive, ready for the walk to school.
In other years, I joined 26 kids on that walk, and it was a lot of fun. The kids laughed, joked and sang as we bumped across the football field. They chased each other. They were excited. School is the best place for them to be, and seeing friends again after a break is such a joy.
In 2020, I was walking again, but this year was definitely different. I walked with only two kids, not 26. Face masks hid the joy. Distancing even with only two made bumping and jostling impossible. Singing did not happen as singing may spread the virus. What was once a time of joy now has a sad overtone. It is so hard for the kids when they can’t run to their friend and hug that friend as they gather for opening exercises. Now they go directly to the classroom. There is no opening exercise.
I must say the teachers have followed the rules set in place. They are assigned a post. Two are at the gate with sensor thermometers. Others are manning the 20 wash stations. Each teacher has a bottle of green liquid soap and is ready to squirt the soap into eager outstretched hands.
Green liquid soap
After washing, they are directed by a guard to move directly to their respective classrooms.
The teachers, students and classrooms are ready.
In our school, each child has a desk. This is not true in public schools. Distancing is easier for us. We also limit the number of students per classroom. In public schools, a classroom can have 60 students. I am not sure how they will handle distancing.
School has begun.